Which is the best assessment of this line from the passage?

. . . while it inspires more terror, is less cruel in actual fact than any punishment that we should think of substituting for it.

Question

Which is the best assessment of this line from the passage? 

. . . while it inspires more terror, is less cruel in actual fact than any punishment that we should think of substituting for it.

anonymous · Answer

This statement is justified because the suffering caused by capital punishment is less than the cumulative suffering due to any other form of punishment.

This statement is unjustified because the speaker presents his own opinion without considering the opinion of the ones who will be punished.

This statement is justified because the speaker is deeply concerned about the state of the criminals and the suffering they face in prison.

This statement is unjustified because the speaker loathes criminals and is unconcerned about their welfare.